How much does it cost to rent a fence?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

While not many homeowners decide to rent a fence instead of buying one, many cases exist when renting is more time and cost-effective. It’s a simple way of creating a safety barrier around your home when there is some construction work, demolition, or even when you’re hosting some event or socializing. It facilitates crowd control and ensures the safety of people and things that are inside and outside of it without costing as much as installing a new fence.

The national average cost for renting a temporary fence is $125 to $450. Most people pay around $225 to rent five 6’ x 12’ chain link fence panels with a padlock for one month. At the low end of the spectrum, you can rent two rolls of 4’ high and 50’ long plastic fence for $30 for a weekend. At the high end, you can pay up to $5,470 or more for a monthly rental of five 6’ x 12’ panels of security fence and enhance it with a padlock, gate, and add a temporary power pole.

Remporary Fence Rental Pricing

Rental Fence Cost by Type

Although rates vary from one project to another, the cost to rent a fence ranges between $15 and $87 per month, depending on the type of fence. They come in a variety of sizes and types to meet a range of needs and goals. The fences provide safety and security for many job sites, can be placed in a line of any length to direct crowds, and even protect trees during work projects around them. Below is a table with the most common rental fences, their use, and the average cost.

Orange Temporary Fencing

Also known as temporary plastic fencing and plastic temporary fencing rolls, these fences cost $15 to $37 for a roll that is 4 ft. in height and 50 ft. in length for one month. As their name suggests, they are made of plastic. They aren’t the most durable fence around, but they are an affordable solution when chain link fences can’t be installed. Plastic fences can be used for tree protection, temporary pool fencing, construction sites, utility crew work areas, parking lot designation, and directions at events. These fences are also useful to draw attention and point towards or away from a specific event or object.

Temporary Fence

Various types of temporary fences can be rented for $20 to $50 for 6 ’x 12’ per month with the base included. Depending on the quality, type, and material, the fence installation cost varies. For instance, a chain link fence rental cost is different from a temporary wire fence as it will take a different amount of time and money depending on their use. Temporary metal fence panels are used for privacy and safety. For the more decorative projects, homeowners install a temporary picket fence. You can use these fences as temporary garden fencing or as a portable driveway fence to protect these areas of your home during work.

Barricade Rental

Renting a barricade fence can cost $20 to $60 per 6’ x 12’ panel per month, plus the base. Several types of barricade fences are available. The most common ones are water barriers, stage barriers, steel barricade fences, or vinyl event fence barricades. These fences are primarily used for crowd control during events but can be used as temporary yard fences. Barricade fences are made of individual parts linked together to make the barrier stronger and direct or prevent pedestrian traffic. They are lightweight and easy to transport and install on any location. Their versatility makes them easy to use at various events.

Security Fence Rental

Security fencing prices range from $25 to $87 for 6’ x 12’ per month based on the brand and model you select. As their name suggests, they keep an area safe from the inside or the outside. The most common materials used for security fences are wire mesh, chain link, and metal. Most security fences have additional security features that enhance the level of protection they provide, such as razor or barbed wires, padlocks, alarm systems, cameras, motion sensors, and more.

Temporary Fence Rental Pricing by Rental Duration

The length of time you rent the fence impacts the cost of the fence itself, which means you pay anywhere between $20 to $87 for a 6’ x 12’ temporary fence panel. The longer the rental period, the bigger the discount will be because companies charge a higher premium for closely spaced installation and removal visits. The longer you keep the temporary fence, the more cost-efficient things are for the company, which in turn can mean more savings for you. Make sure to inform the company about the length of the rental to get their best quote. Below is a table with costs about the most frequent temporary fence rental durations and the cost to rent a 6’ x 12’ temporary fence panel. The rental period prices shown below are per panel, not for the entire fence, and include rental and installation fees for the full duration shown.

Temporary Fence Rental Cost

Renting a temporary fence from a company costs anywhere between $125 to $450 for five 6’ x 12’ panels with a padlock per month. The average cost per panel is $20 to $50 per month. The rates are determined by the location of the installation, the type and amount of fence needed, length of the rental, and additional features installed. Temporary fence installation is done by professionals with the necessary equipment and machinery needed to place the fence on different terrains.

Most companies deliver the fences to the installation site, which is included in the initial quote. However, every company has a different policy about the delivery, installation, and charges. Many factors affect the cost, such as the duration of the rental, location, and, of course, the type of fence you’re renting. For instance, some companies only rent specific fences for 6 and 12 months. Others allow renting for a few hours or days. Almost no fence renting company has a fixed price because each company personalizes the quote based on the project.

The fences can be installed with posts with a driver 10 feet apart and 2 to 3 feet in depth, depending on the height of the fence or panel installation. When post-driven installation is not an option, panel fencing can be installed. This is done by placing the panels next to each other on platforms. If needed, the fence installers add additional safety features based on your requirements, such as sandbags, padlocks, gates, shades, or more.

Temporary Construction Fence Rental Cost

You can rent temporary construction fences for major construction, commercial, or long-term venue projects for a cost of $20 to $70 for a 6’ x 12’ panel per month. Depending on the type of project you’re currently working on, the fences vary in height, size, and model. However, the most common type used in construction projects is galvanized metal chain-link fences, panel and post-driven ones. This is because these types of fences provide a strong and reliable barrier for various job sites and are ideal for the demands of outdoor construction sites.

Event Fencing Hire Prices

Renting a fence for an event can cost $15 to $60, depending on the type of fence you intend on using. When organizing events, it’s important to organize pedestrian traffic and ensure visitors can walk around the venue safely. They are most commonly barricade fences, although chain link fences or plastic fences can also be used. Event fences can be rented for a few hours or longer periods. You may be able to get a lower cost for rentals lasting more than one day. Renting for a few hours will cost more.

Temporary Fencing Size

Temporary fencing is designed to provide the properties and strength of a real fence without the complex and lengthy installation involved with a real fence. The fences are typically made of durable steel with 6-, 10-, and 12-foot widths. Their height varies in 4-, 6-, 8-, or 12-feet size. They create a tall barrier that is difficult to pass and secures the perimeter both inside and outside. Keep in mind that the cost for taller fences is higher than smaller, narrower fencing.

Buy Temporary Fencing

Buying a 4 ft. x 50 ft. roll of temporary plastic fence costs $27 to $50, depending on the type and brand you will buy. On the other hand, other fencing types such as 6 ft. X 12 ft. 3-bar panel with a galvanized wire can cost $100 to $150 to buy. When your project is estimated to last for a longer time (i.e., building a new house/part of a house), it may be more cost-efficient to buy a temporary fence instead of renting one. This also applies when you are repeating the project several times (periodical yard remodeling) or organizing large events frequently. Renting a fence for a few months may surpass the price of the fence itself, so buying one costs less and lets you run the project more efficiently.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Fence Padlock

A padlock can be installed on your temporary fence for a total price of $15 to $35. A fence padlock adds to the safety properties of the fence and prevents intruders from going into the area. For instance, if you are working on a construction project and keeping valuable items near the site, you need to protect them, which can be done with a padlock. Often, the cost to install a padlock will be included in the package quote as they are required for the fence’s safety and stability.

Temporary Fence Shade Cloth

Adding a fence shade cloth typically costs between $35 and $50 for a flat 6 ft. x 12 ft. panel per month. As their name suggests, temporary fence shades protect from harsh sunlight and serve as protection from wind, snow, or when the project requires a darker setting. Aside from physical protection, shades block visibility, increasing the level of privacy and protection the fence provides.

Temporary Fence Gate

The cost to install a temporary fence gate can be anywhere between $100 to $500, depending on the size and type of gate you’re getting. The gate opening ranges between 3 feet and 6 feet and can be a swinging gate, double swing, or rolling gate. It is usually installed along with temporary rental fences as vehicles or people need to move in and out of the area freely.

Sandbag Weights

If you are renting fences to use on windy or unstable terrain, you can opt to add sandbags for a cost of $4 to $7 per bag. Sandbags add safety and security to the fence as they weigh down the fence and prevent it from moving or falling during windy or severe weather conditions. Sandbags are placed at the feet of the temporary fence panels and hold them down tightly to ensure they are secured throughout the whole rental.

Temporary Fence Screen

If you want to add a screen to your temporary fence, expect to spend about $40 to $70 to add one flat 6 ft. x 12 ft. panel. A fence screen is added when you want to increase the privacy of the fenced areas, usually during social events, parties, and private gatherings. It may also be added to keep the construction site’s look private until the opening or protect the area from sun, light, or outdoor elements.

Portable Toilet

Also referred to as porta-potties, port-a-johns, or port-a-janes, renting a portable toilet as an addition to your temporary fence costs $125 to $300 per month. They are mostly used on construction sites and during events. Portable toilets are often rented and installed along with fences, so many contractors offer both as part of their services. If you need both, make sure to ask your renting company if they would rent a fence and a portable toilet to you at a discounted price.

Temporary Power

Most construction sites require temporary power to perform their work. Many fence rental companies offer this as an additional rental service. The national average cost of temporary power is $1,000 to $4,000. The exact cost varies depending on the project. If you don’t need to install power, you can rent a temporary power pole and have it installed by an electrician for $1,700 to $4,500. Always hire an electrician to install any temporary power to your project as it is a highly risky job that requires the experience and knowledge of a professional.

Temporary Barbed Wire Fence

Installing barbed wire costs $1.50 to $3.50 per linear foot. It’s a metal wire with clusters of short, sharp spikes set at short intervals along it. For security needs, a barbed wire is often added at the top of a temporary fence to prevent intruders from climbing over the fence and entering a property. The spikes are very sharp and can cause scratches or deep wounds. You should hire a professional that has the required equipment to install the wire safely.

Portable Storage

For items that need additional protection, you can rent portable storage units for $190 to $230 per month depending on the size of the unit, plus an additional $100 to $200 delivery and pick up fee. The storage units range between 7 ft. and 20 ft. in size. They are often used in projects where more valuable items need to be protected overnight or for a few days but can’t be moved (i.e., machines, bags of valuable tools, etc.).

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Insurance. Insurance is also important to ask about in the quote, as some rental companies charge extra for it. Make sure to ask your contractor whether it is included in the quoted price or will be an additional fee.
• DIY. You can opt to install the temporary fence on your own, although if the terrain is challenging or the weather conditions are rough, a professional hand may be needed. If you’re installing temporary power, make sure to hire an electrician to do the installation.
• Accessories. Accessories like fencing clamps are often included in your package since they are usually necessary for guaranteeing a fence’s safety and stability.
• If you need to keep your dog inside or away from a specific area, you can install a dog fence with a gate they will be unable to hop over.
• Quotes. Before making your choice, check if you have the right information when getting a quote to ensure that the rental cost will be within your planned budget and no surprise costs will arise later on.
• Penalties. If possible, ask the contractor to leave the fence for a day after the event ends, so you can have time to clear the area before the rental company comes for pick up. If the fence is not ready for pick up, it will incur a penalty. Make sure to ask what the extra charge is if you keep the fencing longer than the booked time.
• Security. To increase the safety and security of the perimeter and prevent people from hopping over, you can add fence toppers to plastic jersey barriers.
• Local Regulations. Before starting the project, make sure to check your local regulations and guidelines on temporary fences, privacy, and windscreens. They vary significantly from one place to another, so doing your research can prevent costly project delays.
• Popular Companies. Some of the most popular companies that offer fence rental cost quotes are RentNational, United Site Services, United Rent-a-Fence, and Central Fence Co, Inc.